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Characterization tests of an Apitron particulate control device. Final report. [Includes electrostatic augmentation]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6238931

A 2400-acfm pilot-scale Apitron electrostatically augmented fabric filter was evaluated on a slip-stream of a pulverized-coal-fired boiler at the EPRI Arapahoe Test Facility in Denver, Colorado. Tests made over a range of operating conditions included determination of the dependence of collection efficiency and operating pressure drop on the air-to-cloth ratio, the level of electrostatic augmentation, and the type of filter fabric (woven glass fiber, felted Nomex, and felted Teflon). The test methods used were state-of-the-art techniques for measuring particle-collection efficiencies using inertial, optical, and electrical mobility measurements. The electrical resistivity of the fly ash and the electrostatic charge of individual particles of the fly ash were also measured. Particle collection efficiencies obtained with the Apitron were comparable to those of conventional fabric filters although the operating conditions were substantially different. High collection efficiencies (>99.9%) are common in conventional units; but for reverse-gas cleaning the air-to-cloth ratios are generally less than 2 acfm/ft/sup 2/. System pressure drops range from 3 to 10 in. w.c. In operating the Apitron with woven glass bags similar to those commonly used by conventional systems, collection efficiencies greater than 99% were obtained for air-to-cloth ratios of 4.5 to 9.1 acfm/ft/sup 2/. At an air-to-cloth ratio of 4.5 acfm/ft/sup 2/, the Apitron system pressure drop was in the range of 2 to 4 in. w.c. with electrostatic augmentation and 5 to 8 in. w.c. without electrostatic augmentation. Although the unit sometimes operated in back corona, the effects of electrostatic augmentation were beneficial more often than not. Operating pressure drops of the system were considerably reduced for all filter materials tested when the charger power was on.

Research Organization:
Southern Research Inst., Birmingham, AL (USA)
OSTI ID:
6238931
Report Number(s):
EPRI-CS-3713; ON: TI85920059
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English